Justin Cary, the longtime bassist for the Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Sixpence None the Richer, has died after suffering a stroke. He was 50.
Cary died on June 18, according to statements from the band and a GoFundMe campaign established to support him and his wife, Linda, during his hospitalization.
“Justin passed peacefully this morning and Linda was next to him,” a statement posted to the fundraiser, which has raised over $43,000 as of Tuesday afternoon, said. “Please continue to pray and give strength during this very difficult time.”
The fundraiser revealed that Cary had suffered a serious stroke the previous week and was receiving treatment at Albany Medical Center in New York. Earlier updates said he had undergone two surgeries and was being treated in the intensive care unit. A June 17 update noted that he remained in the ICU and on a respirator.
“Linda is right next to his bed reading to him and hopeful he hears her. She is also telling him how much he is loved,” the update said.
Lead singer Leigh Nash had asked fans to pray for Cary in an Instagram post before his death.
“Our brother of 30 years (and bassist), Justin had a stroke Thursday night,” Nash wrote. “His wonderful wife Linda has kept us updated everyday and night too. She is lovely, delicate and unfathomably heartbroken. We love our brother so so much. Words don’t cover it. I know so many out there love him too. Saw his brilliance, second to NONE professionalism, class, humor (oh my lord the humor) wit, tough as an old boot as they say. Many more adjectives to describe him. Please pray for Justin and Linda.”
Following Cary’s death, Nash shared a tribute honoring her longtime bandmate.
“‘We sure had a great time’ is an understatement. Thank you, Justin,” she wrote. “We love you forever. Please keep his dear Linda close to your hearts. She is our family. There’s never been anybody like Justin.”
Guitarist and co-founder Matt Slocum also reflected on Cary’s death in a statement.
“We are completely heartbroken … and the depth of our grief proves the depth of our love for this wonderful man who was our bandmate, brother-in-arms, and friend for 30 years,” Slocum said.
“The past three years had been full of international tours, recording new music, and an even further deepening of the joy and love of making music together… we were planning for 30 more years. Such a tragic and untimely loss. Please raise a glass with us to our dear friend and fantastic musician, Justin Cary. Cheers amigo, see you on the other side.”
Drummer Jon Radford also voiced his sorrow on social media, sharing several photos of Cary and writing: “My Big Brother. We had about 3 years worth of adventures in 1. Love You. I’m proud to be a member of this tribe. Please pray for strength and peace at this time.”
The announcement came just days after Sixpence None the Richer announced a series of shows in an Instagram post featuring Nash, Slocum, Radford and Cary.
Formed in 1992 in New Braunfels, Texas, Sixpence None the Richer, whose name is taken from one of Christianity’s best-known apologetic writings, C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, rose to international prominence with its 1997 self-titled album, which featured the hit single “Kiss Me.” The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2000. The group also received a Grammy nomination in 1999 in the rock or rap gospel album category.
Cary joined the band in 1997, the same year its breakthrough album was released. In addition to his work with Sixpence None the Richer, he performed and recorded with artists including Counting Crows, Jennifer Knapp and Lee Brice.
Reflecting on his career on his personal website, Cary credited his time with Sixpence for shaping his path in the music industry.
“As a member of Sixpence None the Richer, I have been fortunate to ride a wave of experience that taught me a lot about the music industry,” he wrote. “Sometimes easily, and sometimes the hard way! Along the way, a Grammy Nomination and hit singles kick-started my career as a bassist. I’m proud of the work I’ve done with Sixpence and continue to work with the band on new recordings and occasional performances.”
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]
